FDNY Cracks Down on E-Bike Shops and Illegal Lithium-Ion Battery Hazards
The New York City Fire Department is cracking down on unsafe battery conditions at e-bike shops after a recent deadly blaze. In a recent inspection, an e-bike shop in Manhattan was shut down and the building was vacated due to numerous safety and building violations, including damaged batteries and overloaded power strips. The Fire Department has conducted nearly 180 inspections, resulting in violations and summonses. Lithium-ion batteries have become a leading cause of fatal fires in the city, with 113 battery fires this year alone. New York City will soon prohibit the sale of e-bikes and lithium batteries that do not meet recognized safety standards.